Our Mission
A thriving, unified Memphis for all.
We focus our support on partners working in four impact areas: arts and culture, education, leadership and civic pride, and neighborhoods and public spaces.
Our investments are designed to advance three sets of outcomes around access and opportunity, connectivity and vibrancy, and visionary leadership.
Impact Areas
Arts & Culture
We’re building an arts and culture ecosystem that reflects and elevates Memphis.
Education
We’re working to give every child in Memphis access to a high-quality education.
Leadership & Civic Pride
We’re investing in champions for Memphis.
Neighborhoods & Public Spaces
We’re investing in exciting, inclusive neighborhoods and great parks and trails.
Outcome Areas
Access &
Opportunity
Ensuring all Memphians have the opportunity to succeed.
From preschool, through postsecondary, achievement gaps close dramatically.
Public systems better serve residents by being aligned, highquality and accountable.
All Memphians have the opportunity and tools to complete a postsecondary program that helps them earn a family-sustaining living wage and grow in the workforce.
Pipeline talent consistently meets employer needs across all sectors.
Connectivity & Vibrancy
Vibrant neighborhoods and public spaces with authentic culture.
A network of public spaces throughout the city encourages diverse resident interactions.
Neighborhoods in the urban core are vibrant, connected, and primed for opportunity via better housing, small business development and transit access.
Greenways and trails serve as connectors.
Arts and culture contribute to Memphis' economic and social vitality, and reflect the soul of Memphis.
Visionary
Leadership
Effective, aligned leaders and increased civic pride.
Leaders in Memphis are diverse, entrepreneurial and work across sectors.
Philanthropic and business leaders are aligned, effective, and increase their financial support of citybuilding efforts.
Leaders have the vision, capacity and support to make the best use of public and private resources. Memphians are aware and proud of the progress being made in their city.
Equity Statement
We believe in a future where opportunity, prosperity and the chance to succeed are accessible to all Memphians.
Equity means that all Memphians - regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, zip code, health and ability status or any other distinguishing factor - have the chance to participate fully and fairly in economic and civic life, to determine their own destiny and to fulfill their potential.
To make that future possible, we apply an equity lens to all of our work. In each of our impact areas, we work to close the achievement gap, to support and advance leaders and communities of color, to empower individuals and to create accessible pathways to opportunity for all.